Building construction



June 25, 1940. H. E. EIBER z-:r AL

BUILDING CONSTRUCTION Filed April 1s, 193e 2 Sheets-Sheet l Moe/er f? Elsa? Awa-nca MwcA/wa op Aw lf Z m ATTORNEYS ff fffgf June 25, 1940. A H. E. ElBr-:R Er A1. 2,205,519

BUILDING CONSTRUCTION v I v Filed April 13, 1938 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR #wer E. E/sse A wig/vae Meucnwa/zoa BY in@ W AIjroRNEYs Patented June 25,

luNrrrzD STATES azcasls "Harry E.I Eiber and Lawrence M. Druckenbrod,

Cleveland. Ohio. assignors to The Austin Company, Cleveland. Ohio, laimi'poration of Ohio Application .april 13.1933, sei-m No. 201,147

fz claim. (etna- 34).

This invention relates toi improvements' in building construction and Vmore particiilarlyto the construction1 of pre-fabricatedI vsectional metal buildings, that lis,`building`s adapted to be erected on the desiredvsite by the assembling of unitary sections or panels which have beenpre viously fabricated in a factory or shop.

An object of our invention is to provide a novel form of panel unit for this type of building construction. i- I Another object of our invention is to provide an improved form of building construction in which panel units adapted to be connected in adjacent relation have upright channel members at their side edges disposed with the channel recesses opening outward, that is, edgewise of the panel whereby the channel members of'adjacent panels cooperate in forming a hollow post.

Still another object of our invention is to pro- I vide a novel form of panel unit having connected frame members arranged to facilitate the mounting of steel sash therein. Y

A further object of our invention is to provide novel means for mounting .vitreous enameled sheets or members on partially completed structures in which access, for connecting purposes, cannot be had to portions of the structure immediately back of such sheets or members.

Other objects and advantages of our invention will be apparent from the following description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying sheets of drawings in which Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing building construction embodying our invention;

` Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing a panel unit of the structure in detached relation and with portions thereof broken away;

Fig'. 3 is a partial vertical sectional view taken through the structure of Fig. 1, as indicated by- Fig. 6 is a partial transverse sectional viewtaken through the joint formed bey adjacent panels, as indicated by line 6-6 of Fig. 1;

broken away, illustrating one form of panel connecting means; l

Fig. 8 is a detached perspective view showingv the form of the transverse frame members at the ends thereof;

- Fig. 10 is a perspective sectional metal buildings.

oi' clip for mounting vitreous enameled members onthe structure;

view showing another form of clip for mounting vitreous enameled members;

' Fig. 11 is a perspective view similar to Fig. 1

but showing another form of building construction embodying our invention;

Fig. l2 is a perspective view showing a panel Vunit of thestructure of Fig. 11 in detached relation and with portions thereof broken away;-

Fig. 13 vis a vertical sectional view takenthrough one of the panels of the structure of Fig. r11 as indicated by section line i3- I3;

Fig. 14 Vis a transverse sectional view taken through theyjointbetween adjacent panels as indicated by line M-M of Fig. 11;

Fig. 15 is a perspective view showing a panel connecting clip in detached relation; and

Fig. 16- is a perspective view showing another form of .clip and bolt arrangement for mounting vitreous enameled members.

More detailed references will now be made to the accompanying drawings in which we have illustrated various novel features of construction which are especially applicable to pre-fabricated Before proceeding with the detailed description, however, we desire it to be understood that the drawings are mainly illustrative and that the invention may be embodied in various other forms of construction and type of buildings than those herein specifically described.

In Fig. 1 o'f thezdrawings we show a building 2li having walls which have been Aformed by the assembling of pre-fa'ibricated panels 2| of our novel construction on the site where the building is to be erected. .The building shown in this in-` stancel is of one-story construction, such as may be desirable for automobile servicing stations or mercantile establishments, butl our construction is also adaptable to'other forms of buildings. The panels 2| are substantially rigid frame-like units whichy may be connected in edge-to-edge relation to form'thewallsof the building. These panels may be constructed of any size which can be conveniently handled during fabrication and erection I and are referabl of a hei ht corres ondin to Fig. 7 is an elevational view, with portions p y g p g the height which the building is to have above the foundation.

y After Vthe panels are assembled and connected in edge-to-edge relation, the exterior of the buildling may be completed by mounting vitreous ',enameled sheets -or members on the panels, and sheets of glassin the'window openings provided in the panels. 'I'he vitreous enameled members may include sheets 24 and 25 mounted on the wall in longitudinally extending series adjacent the top and bottom thereof, and horizontally extending band-like members 26 located at vertically spaced points between the sheets 24 and 25 to define the window openings in which the glass sheets 21 are mounted.

As shown in Fig. 2, the panels 2| may comprise a pair of upright frame members 30 at the side edges thereof and a plurality of vertically spaced transversely extending frame members 3| which connect the upright frame members and provide supports for the vitreous enameled members and for the glass sheets 21; The upright frame members 30 are preferably in the form of Ihollow channel-like members which are disposed with their channel recesses facing outward, that is edgewise of the panel so that when the panels are disposed in adjacent relation, the channel members of such panels will cooperate to form hollow posts 32 in which ducts, pipes or wires can be housed and concealed. The upright members 30 may have any desired proportions as to their cross-sectional shape, but are preferably formed with their side flanges 33 relatively narrow so that the posts 32 will not unduly obstruct the windows 21. The flanges 33 preferably have in turned longitudinal edge portions 34 which afford face to face Contact when the panels areassembled and prevent the adjacent upright members 30 from nesting into each other.

The transversely extending frame members 3| may have theirends welded or otherwise connected to the upright members 30 to form a strong and substantially rigid frame for the panel 2|. The members 3| may be hollow channellike members which,in cross-sectional hape,have flat web or back portions 35 adapted to engage the flanges 33 of the upright members and forwardly projecting side walls 36. As shown 1n Fig. 3, the side walls 36 have inturned portions 31 and also have forwardly projecting flanges 38, of narrower spacing which are connected with the inturned portions. The forwardly projecting flanges 38 dene a longitudinally extending slotlike opening 39 leading into the channel recess of this member and which opens toward the front of the panel 2|. At points spaced longitudinally of the members 3| we may provide clips or sections 4U, of channel-like shape or other suitable form, which are inserted between the flanges 38 and may be Welded thereto. The secltions 4D serve to reinforce the members 3| and 5a also cooperate with the attaching means for the vitreous enameled members, as will be presently explained.

'Ihe transverse members 3| are spaced apart appropriate distances vertically of the panel according to the heights desired for the glass sheets and the vitreous enameled members to be mounted thereon in completing the exterior of the structure. The spacing of the members 3|a and 3|b, adjacent the top of the panel is appropriate for the mounting of the vitreous enameled head sheets 24 thereon. The spacing of the members 3|b, 3|C, 3|d, 3|e and 3U, is such as to provide window openings of similar height between the adjacent pairs of these members in which the glass sheets 21 may be located. The spacing of the members 3|f and 3|g' may be appropriate for the mounting' of the enameled basev sheets 25 thereon.

In addition to the transverse connecting members 3|, the panel 2| may have transverse metal sheets 42 and 43 adjacent the top and bottom thereof and which have their ends connected to the flanges 33 of the upright channel members 30. The sheet 42 closes the space between the transverse members 3|a and 3|b and may have longitudinal anges 44 along its top and bottom edges by which this sheet may be connected with these transverse members, as by welding. Similarly, the sheet 43 closes the space between the transverse members 3|J and 3|y and has flanges 44 along its top and bottom edges which may be welded to these transverse members.

After the panels 2| have been assembled to form the walls of the building shown in Fig. l, the roof and other parts are added to the structure until it is more or less complete and closed in with the exception of the vitreous enameled members and the glass plates 21. Since the enameled members are not applied to the structure until near the completion of the work, it will be seen that the mounting of the enameled members, and particularly the mounting of the enameled sheets 42 and 43, presents a problem because access to the panel structure 4immediately in back of these enameled sheets will be prevented by the metal sheets 42 and 43. However. by means of the novel connecting means which we have devised, these enameled members and sheets can be readily applied to the structure in a manner-such that they will be satisfactorily held in place.

The enameled sheets 24 and 25 may be of varied construction but are preferably made with rearwardly and inwardly extending flanges 45 and 46 along their top and bottom edges. These flanges serve to strengthen the enameled sheets and to form exposed ledges on the exterior of the completed structure. In addition, these flanges cooperate with the connecting means whereby the enameled sheets are mounted on the structure. The sheets 24 and 25 may also have rearwardly and .inwardly extending integral flanges 45a and 46a at their ends similar to their side flanges 45 and 46. The sheets 24 and 25 are preferably of a length substantially equal to the width of the panel 2| so that the joints between sheets correspond in location with the joints between adjacent panels.

For connecting the upper edge of the enameled sheet 24 with the top portion of the panel 2l, we may provide the transverse member 3|a with longitudinally spaced clips 41 which may be welded or otherwise secured to the upper flange 38 of this member. These clips are preferably spaced outwardly from the inturned portion 31 of the member 3|a so that the rearwardly and inwardly extending flanges of the upper edge of the enameled sheet 24 can be hooked over the clips and thereby mounted on the panel. Any suitable number of the clips 41 may be provided but we find that three such clips on each of the panels 2| for each of the enameled sheets 24 and 25 are sufficient. The spacing of the clips 41 outwardly from the inturned portion 31 of the member 3|a forms a longitudinally extending groove or space 45 along the top of the panel and when the enameled sheet 24 has been applied to the panel, as shown in Fig. 3, the flange portion 45 extends rearwardly over the clips and the flange portion 46 extends downwardly into the groove. After the mounting of the enameled sheet 24 on the panel has been completed as hereinafter described. a quantity of caulking material or cement 50 may be inserted into the groove 49 to fill the same.

For connecting the lower edge ofthe enameled sheet 24 with the transverse member 3|b, we provide attaching means at 'longitudinally spaced points, for example three such points, comprising a clip 52 and a bolt 53 extending through the clip and through the opening 54 of the section 40. The clip 52 has a plate-portion 55 provided with a slot 56 and adapted to be drawn toward the member 3|b and the section 40 thereof by means of the bolt 53. 'Ihe clip also has angularly extending portions 51 and 58 which cooperate respectively with one of the flanges 38 of the member 3| b and the inturned flange 46 of the enameled sheet 24.

The clips 52 may be connected to the sheet 24 prior to the mounting of this sheet on the panel 2|, such as by welding the portlon`58 of each clip to the inturned flange 46 of the enam-V eled sheet. Prior to the application of the enameled sheet 24 to the panel, the bolts 53 are mounted in the slotted openings 56o! the clips 52 so that when theupper edge of the enameled sheet is hooked over the clips 41 and the lower end thereof is swung inwardly toward the transverse frame member 3|b, the bolts will extend into and through this frame member. The bolts 53 may be connected with the clips 52 as by means of nuts which are screwed against opposite sides of the plate portion 55. Y

Interference between the inner nut 60 and the section 40 may be prevented by making the opening 54 of the latter large enough to freely admit this nut as shown in Fig. 3. The slot 56 of the clip 52 permits the position of the bolt 53 to be shifted on the clip so that-when the enameled sheet 24 is in the desired position on the panel 2|, the bolt will extend through the opening 54 of the section 40 and through an opposed opening 6| of the inner back wall or web of the transverse frame member 3|b. A ush type nut 62 extending into the opening 6| and having threaded connection with the bolt 53 serves as a means for tightening the bolt and. thereby connecting the lower portion of the enameled sheet with the transverse frame member 3|b. It will be seen that when the lower edge of the enameled sheet 24 is thus secured in place. the inturned flange portion 46 thereof extends in longitudinally spaced relation to the inturned portion 31 of the frame member 3|b to form a longitudinally extending groove 63 into which the upper edge of the glass sheet 21 may extend.

When the enameled sheets 24 have been thus appliedto the tops of the panels 2| to form a longitudinally extending row or series of such sheets, as shown in Fig. 1, the joints 64 between adjacent sheets will lie substantially opposite the joints of adjacent panels. Ifopen cracks or spaces occur at these joints they may be filled with suitable cement or caulking material.

The enameled sheets 25 may be mounted on the transverse members 3|f and 3|g at the lower` ends of the panels 2| in a manner similar`v` to that explained for the mounting' of the sheets 24, but we prefer touhave both the. upper and lower edges of the sheetsz25 connected with the transverse members 3| f and 3|g by means of the clips 52 and the bolts 53. In Fig. 5 we show the upper edge of the enameled isheet 25 connected with the transverse frame member 3|f by means of such clip and bolt and it will lbe understood that the lower edge of vthis enameled sheet may l be connected with 'the transverseA frame lmember 3Ig in a manner substantially identical with the connection shown in Fig. 3 for the lower edge of the enameled sheet 24.

As shown in Figs. 2 and 4, the enameled inembers 26 are mounted on the transverse frame members 3|c, 3|d and 3|e and cooperate with these frame members for forming longitudinal grooves 65 for the edges of the glass sheets 21. Each of the enameled members 26 may comprise an' elongated channel-like strip having an outer web or face 66 and flanges 61 extending rearwardly therefrom. The flanges 61 have their rear edges 68A turned inwardly toward each other. At their ends the enameled members 26 may have rearwardly and inwardly extending integral flange portions 69 and 10, similar to the rearwardly and inwardly extending end flanges 45a and 46a of the enameled sheets 24 and 25. The enameled members 26 correspond substantially in length with the transverse width of the panel 2| so that when these strips are mounted on the panels in aligned relation, as shown in Fig. l, the joints 1| between these enameled members will lie substantially opposite the joints between adjacent panels. The cracks or spaces between the adjacent ends of the enameled members 26 may be filled by suitable cement or caulking material 12, as shown in Fig. 6. All of the transverse members 3| may have their flanges 38 cut sheets 24 and 25 and with the rearwardly and inwardly extending end flanges of theenameled members 26.

In Fig. 4 we have shown, by way of example, the mounting of one of the enameled members 26 on the transverse frame member 3|d. For this purpose we provide mounting means comprising a clip 14 and a bolt 15 extending through an opening of the clip and having its head 16 welded or otherwise non-rotatably connected with the clip. Any suitable number of the clips 14 may be provided for each of the enameled members 26, but we find that three such clips spaced longitudinally of this member are suillcient for each of the transverse frame members of the panel 2|. The transverse frame members 3|c, 3|d and 3|e are each provided with longitudinally spaced reinforcing sections 4Il which are located thereon at the points where the clips 14 are to occur. 'I'he sections 4|) may be welded to' the forwardly extending flanges 38 of the transverse frame members and have a hole 18 through which the bolt 15 extends.

Each of the clips 14 may comprise a sheet metal body having forwardly projecting flanges 18 at its side edges and having ears 80 at its ends extending rearwardly in diverging relation. The width of the clip 14 is such that it can be inserted into the channel recess of the enameled member 26 and thereafter turned to a vertical position in which its rearwardly extending diverging ears 80 engage the inner faces of the inturned edges 68 of this enameled member. After the clips 14 have been inserted into the enameled member 26 at the desired longitudinally spaced points and turned to their vertical position as just explained, the enameled member is applied to the transverse frame member 3|d by inserting the bolts 15 through the holes of the respective sections 40 and through vopposed openings of the back or web 35 of this frame member. Flush type nuts 8| are then applied to the threaded inner ends of the bolts 15 and,

when tightened, serve to draw the clips 14 and back, as shown in Fig. 8, so as to avoid interferl ence with the rearwardly and inwardly extendving end flanges 45a andy 46a of the enameled the enameled member 2@ toward the frame member Sid.

We have already stated that the panels 2|, which form the wall of the structure 20, are connected in edge-to-edge relation and for this purpose any suitable form of connecting means may be employed. We have found, however, that the panels can be quickly and nrmly secured together by providing cooperating connecting or locking means on the upright frame members 90 of ad-4 jacent panels. One form oi such connecting means is shown in Figs. 6 and '7 and comprises a transverse bar 83 carried by one frame member and a pair of ears 64 carried by the other frame member.' The bar 03 may be welded or otherwise secured to the inturned flange portions 94 of the one frame member and the ears 8| may be welded or otherwise secured to the flanges of the other frame member so as to project therefrom for engagement with said bar. The ears 94 preferably have slots 85 formed in their projecting portions and in which the bar 83 engages.

The connecting means just described may be provided at any number of vertically spaced points of the frame members of the panels 2|, for example three such points, as shown in Fig. 2. When the panels are assembled the panel having the bars 83 thereon is stood in position and the panel having the ears Bil is lowered into position adjacent the lrst panel in such a manner that the ears hoolr onto the bars as the second panel assumes its proper position.

In Fig. 11 of the drawings we have shown another building structure which is also formed by assembling pre-fabricated panels 9| on the building site or foundation, and thereafter completing the structure by mounting vitreous enameled sheets 92, 99 and 94 on the exterior of the panels and mounting sheets of glass in the steel sash or window frames 96 which form a part of the pre-fabricated panels.

As shown in Fig. 12, each of the panels 9| may comprise a pair of laterally spaced upright channel members 98 which are disposed with their webs or backs 99 facing each other and with their channel recesses opening outward, that is, edgewise of the panel. The frame members 98 may be similar in cross-sectional shape to'the frame means 30, that is to say, they may have spaced side flanges it@ with their longitudinal edges lili turned inwardly toward each other. These upright frame members are connected at spaced points by transverse frame members which may be of channel-like form and which have their ends Welded or otherwise connected to the backs 99 of such upright members. These transverse frame members may include top and bottom members |02 and |03, and a pair of vertically spaced members |94 and |05 which cooperate with intermediate portions of the upright members to define a window opening |06 in which the steel sash 9E may be fitted and secured. Other transverse frame members may be provided at the points where they may be needed' for strengthening the panel or for the mounting of the vitreous enameled sheets, such as the members |01 and |08 which are lbcated between the transverse frame members |02 and |04.

The adjacent panels 9| may be connected in edge-to-edge relation by use of the connecting means which we have shown in Figs. 6 and '7, or if desired, another form of connecting means which we have found to be highly satisfactory may be employed. This later form of connecting means aaoasre is shown in Figs. 12, 14 and 15 and may com prise a channel shaped member or clip ||0 and a bolt lli extending through a hole ||2 of the clip. The clip H0 is so formed that it will tit into the channel recess of the frame member 99 of one panel and will project therefrom into the recess of the channel member of the adjacent panel as shown in Fig. 14. In the joint formed by the use of the clip ||0 and the bolt IH, the clip prevents relative transverse shifting or nesting of the adjacent channel members and the bolt prevents separation of the channel members and also serves to hold the clip m place. As shown in Fig. l2, this connecting means may be provided at vertically spaced points of the panel 9|, for example, at three such spaced points.

After the panels 9| have been assembled in edge-to-edge relation, as explained above, to

form the walls of the building 90 and the structure has been nearly completed by the addition of the roof and other parts, the enameled sheets 92, 03 and 94 are mounted on the exterior of the panels and the glass sheets 95 are mounted in the steel sash 96. As will be seen from Figs. 11 and 12, the enameled sheets 92, 93 and 94 correspond substantially in length with the transverse width of the panels 9| so that when these sheets are mounted on the respective panels they form longitudinally extending rows or series with the joints ||3 between adjacent sheets lying substantially opposite the joints between adjacent panels. Any cracks or openings occurring at the joints ||3 may be lled with suitable cement or caulking material.

As will be seen from Fig. 12 the enameled sheets 92, 93 and 94 are of pan-like form, each having rearwardly extending walls or flanges I5 at their top and bottom edges. The rear edges of these walls or flanges are deflected toward each other to form longitudinally extending inturned anges H6. When the enameled sheets 92 and 92 are mounted on the panels by connecting means to be presently described, the walls ||5 thereof form projecting ledgesat the bottom and top of the window opening |06. The enameled sheet 93 may be similar to the sheet 02, but the top sheet 94 may differ from the other two in that its upper sidewall ||1 may be longer or deeper so as to extend rearwardly over the top of the panel to form a coping for the wall of the building.

For mounting the enameled sheets 92. 93 and 9M on the panel 9i, we provide connecting means comprising a clip |20 and a bolt |2|. The clip |20 may comprise a sheet metal member having angularly disposed portions |22 and |23 which may be welded or otherwise connected to the wall and ange portions ||5 and ||6 of the enameled sheets. This clip may also have a plate portion |24 which is provided with a slot |25 in which the bolt |2| is mounted by a clamping of the nuts |26 against opposite faces of such plate portion. Any suitable number of clips |20 may be used on each of the enameled sheets, but We lind that three such clips spaced along each of the longitudinal edges of the sheets provide a satisfactory connection. At points corresponding with the location of the clips on the enameled panels we provide the transverse frame members with holes |21 to accommodate the bolts |2|. 'I'he holes in the outer anges of the frame members, that is to say, in the flanges nearest the enameled sheets, are large enough to freely accommodate the inner nuts |26 so that the plate portion |24 of the clip |20 may engage atly against the adiacent or outer ilange of the transverse frame member.

The slot |25 of the clip |20 permits lateral adjustment for positioning of the bolt |2| with respect to the ends of the enameled sheet so that the bolts will enter the holes |21 when the sheet is applied to the panel. By means of flush type nuts |28 applied to the inner ends of the bolts I2 the clips |20 may be drawn toward the transverse frame members for clamping the enameled sheets firmly in the desired position on the panel.

In the form of building construction shown in Figs. 11 and 12, it may be desirable to conceal the hollow posts |30 formed by the upright frame members 98 of adjacent panels and for this purpose we may mount vitreous enameled members 3| on the exterior of the building at these points. The enameled members |3| may be vertically elongated sheets of channel-like form, having rearwardly extending sidewalls or flanges |32 and inturned rear flanges |33. The enameled sheet |2| may be connected to the hollow post |30 by the use of the clips and bolts |35 and |36 which are substantially identical with the clips and bolts |20 and |2|. The clips and bolts |35 and |36 are used in a manner similar to the clips and bolts |20 and |2|, that is to say, the clips |35 are welded or otherwise connected to the sheet |3| and carry the bolts |36 so that when the sheet is applied to the hollow post, the bolts will extend through holes thereof and the sheet can be secured in place by ush type nuts |31 applied to the inner ends of the bolts. The holes- |38 of the outer flanges of the frame members 96 are large enough to freely accommodate the inner nuts |39 of the bolts |36. When the enameled sheet |3| is relatively narrow, the clips |35 along opposite edges thereof are preferably arranged in offset or staggered relation so as to avoid interference with each other. After the enameled sheet |3| has been mounted on the hollow post |30 in the manner just explained, the joint between the enameled sheet and the steel sash 96 may be sealed or lled with suitable cement or caulking material |40.

From the foregoing description and accompanying drawings it will now be readily understood that we have provided improved building construction which is especially applicable to sectional metal buildings of the type formed by the assembling of prefabricated panels or units. It will also be seen that we have provided novel connecting means for such pre-fabricated panels as well as a novel construction for the panels themselves. It will be seen furthermore that we have also providedimproved connecting means for mounting vitreous enameled sheetsor members on metal buildings where access to the structure immediately in back of such enameled sheets or members cannot be readily had.

While we have illustrated and described our improved building construction in a somewhat detailed manner, it should be understood, however, that we do not wish to be limited to the precise construction and arrangements of parts herein described, but regard our invention as including such changes and modifications as do not constitute a departure from the spirit of the invention and the scope of the appended claims.

Having thus described our invention, we claim:

1. In a building construction, a wall comprising unitary panels having upright channel members at their edges and disposed in abutting relation with the recesses of the adjacent channel members facing each other, a bar connected with opposite sides of one of said adjacent channel members and bridging the recess thereof, and a locking member connected with the other of said adjacent channel members to project therefrom into the recess of said one channel member and having a slot in which said bar engages.

2. In a building construction, a Wall comprising unitary panels having upright channel members at their edges and disposed in abutting relation with the recesses of the adjacent channel members facing each other, one of said adjacent channel members having inturned flange portions extending toward each other, a bar extending transversely of the recess of said one channel member and connected to the backs of said inturned flange portions, and a pair of locking members connected with the other of said adjacent channel members to extend between said inturned flange portions of said one channel member and having slots in which said bar is engageable.

HARRY E. EIBER. n LAWRENCE M. DRUCKENBROD. 

